AUL Retirement Services to host Webinars on findings of The New 403(b) Frontier survey



Contact:
Beth King, APR, Media Relations Manager
(317) 285-4168 or beth.king@oneamerica.com

For Immediate Release:

 

Indianapolis (March 15, 2010) – To assist financial professionals in understanding new IRS requirements for nonprofit plan sponsors, the Retirement Services division of American United Life Insurance Company® (AUL) will host a series of Webinars to highlight the results of the AUL Retirement Services-commissioned study entitled The New 403(b) Frontier, Wednesday April 7 and Thursday, April 22 at 9 and 11 a.m.

During the Webinar, presentations will be given by AUL Vice President of National Nonprofit Sales Kevin Kidwell and Regional Vice President of Nonprofit Sales Jim Daniel on the survey findings. Additionally, they will discuss how financial professionals can use the survey findings with clients and prospects.

“Our research has indicated that there is a disconnection between what plan sponsors know and what is actually expected of them under the new IRS rules,” Kidwell said. “By continuing the dialogue with financial professionals across the country and communicating the survey findings virtually, we have a unique opportunity to further position AUL Retirement Services as a leader in the 403(b) market.”

AUL Retirement Services, along with Indianapolis, Ind.- based Jackson Group, conducted a first-of-its -kind survey where 700 nonprofit plan sponsors from the micro and small market segments in Calif., Col., Fla., Ill., Mass., Tenn. and Washington were asked broad-based questions about their understanding of fiduciary responsibilities, 403(b) regulations and the Pension Protection Act. Contrary to historical research, the respondents expressed confidence in their understanding of these issues. However, after being asked more detailed questions, a much lower percentage of respondents expressed the same level of understanding, leading to the conclusion that plan sponsors are behind in becoming compliant with new 403(b) regulations.

The New 403(b) Frontier builds upon previously released programs for advisors wishing to break into the 403(b) market, including: Investment Advisor Services, the company’s exclusive business-building service that expands distribution channels to work with Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and Investment Advisor Representatives (IARs) by offering Web-based investment modeling tools and AUL Retirement Services’ TPA Distribution Strategy.

The target population for The New 403(b) Frontier consisted of 3,782 independent organizations that exist within the following 403(b) market segments: churches, public schools, health care and other organizations. Other organizations include private schools, charitable organizations and colleges. Respondents in each market segment incorporated key decision makers, including: benefits managers, human resources managers, pastoral ministers and payroll administrators. Additionally, plan sponsors were assessed in the areas employer contribution and plan participation rates, the use of or continued use of multiple vendors, fiduciary responsibilities, concern about IRS audits, the Pension Protection Act and self administration verses third party administration. Following the research report’s findings, advisors are given a survey questionnaire to share with their nonprofit clients.

To participate in the Webinar-in-a-Box, please contact the National Retirement Product and Sales Desk at 1-866-313-7355 to request an invitation that will contain the call-in details and hyperlink to join the Webinar.


 

About AUL Retirement Services


American United Life Insurance Company® (AUL) is the founding member of OneAmerica® and offers a wide range of products and services for retirement plans of individuals and employers. As a leader in the retirement services industry, AUL provides local service through a national network of experienced professionals focusing on the 401(k), 403(b) and 457 markets.


 

About AUL


American United Life Insurance Company® (AUL), a OneAmerica® company, is focused on providing a strong portfolio of products for individuals, families and small businesses. AUL uses a national network of experienced professionals utilizing an extensive menu of financial products, including life insurance, annuities and employee benefit plan products. The company helps consumers plan for tomorrow by helping to protect their financial futures.

 

About OneAmerica


OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc., is headquartered in Indianapolis, IN. The companies of OneAmerica® can trace their solid foundations back more than 130 years in the insurance and financial services marketplace.

OneAmerica’s nationwide network of companies offers a variety of products to serve the financial needs of their policyholders and other clients. These products include retirement plan products and services; individual life insurance, annuities, long-term care solutions and employee benefits. The goal of OneAmerica is to blend the strengths of each company to achieve greater collective results.

The products of the OneAmerica companies are distributed through a network of employees, agents, brokers and other distribution sources that are committed to increasing value to our policyholders by helping them plan to meet their financial goals.

Note to media: To obtain a PDF copy of The New 403(b) Frontier, please contact Media Relations Manager Beth King, APR at 317-285-4168 or beth.king@oneamerica.com.

Tax qualified retirement plans from American United Life Insurance Company (AUL) are funded by an AUL group annuity contract. While a participant in an annuity contract may benefit from additional investment and annuity related benefits under the annuity contract, any tax deferral is provided by the plan and not the annuity contract.

Registered group variable annuity contracts issued by AUL are distributed by OneAmerica Securities, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor, 433 N. Capital Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204, 1-877-285-3863, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of AUL.

Variable products are sold by prospectus. Both the product prospectus and underlying fund prospectuses can be obtained from your investment professional or by writing to 433 N. Capital Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204, 1-877-285-3863. Before investing, carefully consider the fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. The product prospectus and underlying fund prospectus contain this and other important information. Read the prospectuses carefully before investing.

Neither AUL or OneAmerica Securities, nor their representatives provide tax or legal advice. For answers to specific questions and before making any decisions, please consult a qualified attorney or tax advisor.

-END-

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